The Monkey King

Synopsis

The Monkey King (2023) starring Jimmy O. Yang offers a contemporary retelling of the classic Chinese folklore hero, Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King. Blending action, fantasy, and humor, the film follows the Monkey King's adventures as he battles formidable foes and navigates through mystical realms to protect his world. With a modern twist and vibrant visual effects, the movie aims to introduce this legendary figure to a broader audience, combining traditional mythology with modern storytelling. Jimmy O. Yang brings a charismatic performance that balances the film’s comedic elements with its action-packed sequences, making the story accessible and entertaining for viewers of various ages.

Cast

• 

  Jimmy O. Yang

  Monkey King (voice)

• 

  Bowen Yang

  Dragon King (voice)

• 

  Jolie Hoang-Rappaport

  Lin (voice)

• 

  Jo Koy

  Benbo (voice)

• 

  Ron Yuan

  Babbo (voice)

• Nan Li

  Stick (voice)

Reviews

Critical reception for The Monkey King (2023) has been mixed to average. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 56% approval rating, indicating a divided response from critics who appreciate the ambition but find inconsistencies in execution. Some reviews praise the production design and the effort to bring a classic story to new audiences, but others point to uneven pacing and a script that occasionally feels cluttered. IMDb users gave the movie a rating of 5.8/10, reflecting a moderate level of enjoyment among general viewers. On Metacritic, the film scores similarly, indicating mixed reviews. Critics like The Hollywood Reporter noted that while the film "brightens with its playful energy and creative visuals," it sometimes "struggles to maintain narrative cohesion." Meanwhile, fans of Jimmy O. Yang highlight his engaging performance as a strong point. Overall, The Monkey King is recognized for its ambition and entertainment value, although it does not fully satisfy all genre expectations.